My Approach
I find it best to describe a theoretical approach as a lens that the therapist uses to view and contextualize a client's thoughts, feelings, struggles, and pain.
The lens informs the therapists interpretations, feedback and overall treatment plan. Interestingly, the therapist can have multiple lenses to choose from, each yielding a “toolbox” of techniques and skills that he can implement given a client’s specific needs.
My own personal collections of approaches range from psychodynamic to CBT/DBT oriented models, from systems to more humanistic and interpersonal. Psychodynamic approaches share in the belief that people are often unaware of the nature of their feelings, thoughts and behaviors and can benefit from learning more about themselves and their patterns of relating to others. Systemic theories understand that people exist and are influenced by different systems and groups. For instance: family, community, organization and culture.
I believe that therapy can help people understand how their patterns of relating to others or themselves have narrowed their choices and impaired their freedom to act. An aspect of healing can then occur in the context of a safe therapeutic relationship and contained space that involves a different kind of interpersonal experience, more Humanistic and Experiential in nature. I will meet the client where they are at without judgment, and without coldness.
SPECIALTIES
Below are the specialties that I have cultivated in my practice. I work with children/adolescents and adults.
ADHDSelf EsteemPeer relationshipsAutismLearning DisabilitiesOppositional DefianceDevelopmental DisordersAcademic UnderachievementAsperger's SyndromeBehavioral IssuesOrgan TransplantCoping Skills
Self EsteemSpiritualitySubstance AbuseAddictionPeer Relationships, familial conflictSleep or InsomniaTrauma and PTSDAnxietyDivorceAnger ManagementDepressionObsessive-Compulsive (OCD)Domestic Violence/ Sexual AbusePersonality DisordersGrief
Chemical Dependency & Substance Abuse
When it comes to sobriety, Dr. Leone believes that a structured approach has its uses, but does not represent the full scope of treatment options available. Sometimes forcing clients to accept a recovery or rehabilitation model that makes them feel uncomfortable is counterproductive. As a part of the road to recovery, Dr. Leone endorses doing the appropriate research and exploring which recovery model is the best fit for any given patient (i.e., 12-step, SMART Recovery, Rational Recovery). Treatment will then be based on the model that is the best fit for the patient.
Clinical Hypnotherapy
There are many ways people have defined hypnosis. The way most people describe the experience of hypnosis is as a pleasant state of deep relaxation, where external stimuli are greatly diminished so you can focus more deeply on your own helpful internal resources.
Organ Transplant
"...transplant patients live along the jagged edges of the abyss that most mortals fear. By bravely peeking over the edge, they share with us the brutal reality of being survivors."- Dr. Mehmet OZ
Couples Therapy
Couples usually come to therapy because they've reached some kind of impasse: lack of intimacy, resentment, lack of communication, frequent fighting.
Queer Issues/LGBTQ Issues
"If I wait for someone else to validate my existence, it will mean that I'm short changing myself." ~Zanele Muholi
Poly, Kink & BDSM
Relationships can thrive in many diverse manifestations, including those that are non-normative or carry stigma in our culture.
Teens and Young Adults
Adolescence and early adulthood is typically a time when we choose and develop who we want to be—and struggle deeply with those parts of ourselves we dislike. This can be difficult and magnified when there is no support around.
Start your journey
Want to know about yourself and the journey you are on? Reach out to set up an appointment.